NSA Sheep South West 2013
A damp start to the day soon gave way to a breeze and sunshine, providing perfect conditions for Sheep South West. Over the preceding weeks the Snell family had proved to be enthusiastic hosts, with nothing too much trouble for them. The excellent location, high up on the edge of Exmoor attracted 3,000 visitors who were all eager to do business. The record number of trade and breed society had been buoyed up by several new exhibitors, and some who had not taken the plunge this year, but came to look have already expressed serious interest in attending in the future.
An exhibitor commented “these specialist events provide the perfect opportunity to speak to large numbers of sheep farmers from the region and are an excellent use of our resources.” Trade and Breed Society stands were pleased report high levels of interest from new and existing customers. Our judges for the trade and breed society competitions had a long hard task to select their eventual winners, but agreed they based their decisions on the initial impact the stand made and the level of help they received from exhibitors.
The region was delighted that the Duke of Montrose was able to make his first visit to a regional event and he carried out the opening ceremony. This included a presentation to Mary Snell who was celebrating her birthday.
This year saw a programme of seminars. First up was Gareth Jones from BWMB who provided an insight into the state of the wool industry and although wool prices have fallen, they are still higher than the average level over the last ten years, so should still provide a reasonable return.
Novartis Animal Health provided an excellent presentation on how we can best prevent blowfly strike in what is becoming an increasingly longer season, and explained how their products can provide cover for all situations.
Terry Gurnhill from Defra gave an update on the plans to reduce the amount of paperwork facing sheep producers when moving livestock, this would be via electronic reporting, with a paper option for those who wish. Electronic reporting is on track to start in April 2014, with meetings being planned later in the year to keep producers informed of the changes. Other issues such as standstill requirements and the way movements between linked properties within a 10 mile radius are reported, are still under review.
The farm tours proved popular with the trailers kept busy all day taking over 1,000 people on the trip to learn more about the issues affecting the farm. First tour of the day was to the party of children from Rackenford Primary School who arrived bright and early and were enthralled by everything they saw. Their highlight was the shearing in the Shepherd of the Future competition sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers. Sam Bullingham from Okehampton won the Open section and will represent the South West Region in the National final at Sheep 2014. Andrew Flake from Plumpton college won the Student section, which was sponsored by EBLEX. The standard was extremely high and the questions in the written section were ‘testing’ even for sheepkeepers with many years of experience!
Once again the sale of sheepdogs proved to be a big attraction with 38 dogs going under the hammer. Top price for the day was £2100 for ‘Bracken’ a 3 year old bitch from Ray Edwards of Chumleighwho went to a new home in West Somerset. Kivells auctioneer James Morrish was
delighted with the trade that saw working dogs average £1679, untrained dogs £744 and puppies at £161.
After the event, David Gregory, NSA Sheep South West event chairman said “this has been our most successful event to date, owed in no small part to the Snell family and all their hard work, and I would like to thank them, the event organising committee, the regional committee, the sponsors for their continued support, exhibitors and anyone else who had contributed in any way. This is going to be a difficult act to follow, but we will relish the challenge and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2015.”
Competition Winners.
Indoor Trade Stands – 1st – EBLEX, 2nd – Border Software, 3rd – Innovis Breeding Sheep.
Outdoor Trade – 1st – Mole Avon, 2nd – Fry & Son, 3rd – Denis Brinicombe.
Breed Societies – 1st Welsh Mules, 2nd – Lleyns, 3rd – Suffolk.
Carcase Competitions – Waitrose Producers, sired by a Native ram.
1st. R Vosper, 2nd. P Hutton, 3rd. M Hutchings.
Sired by a Continental ram.
1st. WA Grigg (also overall Champion carcase). 2nd. R Vosper, 3rd. GN Harding.
Carcase Competitions - Jaspers Producers, sired by a Native ram.
1st. D Bosley, 2nd. Haye Farm, 3rd. P Ede.
Sired by a Continental ram.
1st. P Collett, 2nd. S McKinley, 3rd. A Parsons
Fleece Competitions
Fine. 1st & 3rd RD & AE Molyneux, 2nd Mrs Huxter.
Medium. 1st D Cox, 2nd R Harding, 3rd T Elston.
Cross. 1st & 2nd Mr & Mrs Franklyn, 3rd D Bawden.
Lustre. 1st T Elston, 2nd & 3rd Mr & Mrs Franklyn.
Hill/Mountain 1st & 2nd R Harding, (Overall Champion) 3rd D Bawden.
Natural Coloured. 1st & 2nd Mr & Mrs Franklyn, 3rd Mrs Huxter.
Open Lamb Selection
M Slade.
